7:59pm

[insert controversial statement here]

Au
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Virgil's feel hit heavily against the ground as he ran down the street, recently stolen food hidden inside his jacket that swished around him in the wind, calls of angry yelling nearing from behind him. He knew stealing was bad, it was the worst, but he had no choice! If he didn't he would starve to death! Like hell someone would ever give him a job, a school drop out, homeless boy with nothing on his name.

He took a glance over his shoulder, spotting two workers from the food shop he was just in catching up with him - he cursed himself, usually he was a fast runner but recently he hadn't eaten much and physically can't go any faster, he knows soon he'll collapse if he doesn't get away or find a hiding spot.

He crossed a road without looking for a car, the sound of horns filling his ears as he just made it to the other end. He had entered the richer section of the city, with the higher-end stores and paparazzi hang out spots, waiting with their cameras to catch a few pictures - at least - of anyone famous that passed by.

He looked up from the ground he watched to make sure he wouldn't trip over anything, eyes widening when he realised the street before him was completely blocked with a crowd of people looking inside a store they were stopped from entering, Virgil knew what that meant - someone famous was inside, but he didn't have much time to think about that (as if he'd want to, he's never been interested with celebrities).

However, this could give him an advantage - most of the guards were pushing back a crowd on the left, and he could see a perfect gap to slip through towards the right, afterwards he was sure the people behind him who were making quite the scene would have a harder time getting in - if they could at all.

So, with a big gulp of air, he rushed through the crowd, pushed a few lingering people to the side and ducked under view of the body guards who barely missed him, turning to where he whizzed by seconds later, but Virgil didn't have time to notice, he focused solely on sprinting through that building across the ground floor, grabbing the stair banister and hauling himself up, missing a step at a time.

Unable to hear anyone chasing him anymore, he allowed himself to slow down and look over his shoulder, but it seemed to be at the wrong time as as soon as he turned back forward he crashed into someone, both men let out a yelp, sprawling across the smooth floor. Virgil's apple and roll of bread escaped his grasp and he gasped, crawling across the floor hurriedly, picking them back up to then turn, looking over the mess he had created.

Whoever the man was crashed into a railing of clothing, pushing it to the ground where all designer outfits (he was sure being very expensive) scattered, leaving them in a crumpled mess.

There were only a few people inside, mostly being workers who were doing everything they could to help out the few celebrities who came inside to buy things - there were three to be exact. The person he pushed over being an older man who now looked furious, a woman off to the side who looked disgusted, and a younger man beside the woman who looked intrigued. They all wore expensive, high-end clothing, nothing Virgil could ever even touch - he felt suddenly quite out of place in his ripped, dirty rags.

"What the hell, boy-!?" The older man finally managed to splutter out, a few of the staff helping him to his feet. Virgil shrank back, holding onto his food tightly, wondering if he could somehow find a second exit outback when a strong grip wrapped around his upper arm.

He gasped in shock, being thrown onto his feet quite suddenly, the grip extremely painful. "Let-go!" He demanded, struggling fiercely. "Have this man escorted out immediately" a male worker suddenly piped up, walking over and snatching the food from his grasp. Virgil glared darkly at him, falling still in the guards hand. "Stolen, huh? Not surprised, scum like you, always stealing" the worker spat.

Virgil bared his teeth, ready to hiss when the younger man stepped in, smiling overly politely at the worker as a signal to back off, taking the food gently from his grasp and handing them back to Virgil who softened up slightly, staring at the rich man apprehensively. "Were you planning to buy anything from here?" He asked, to which Virgil slowly shook his head - as if he would ever, ever be able to buy anything from this sort of shop.

"Return anything?"

Again, Virgil shook his head. Does it look like he does?

"Use the bathroom?"

Another shake of the head.

"Well, it's seems this is all a misunderstanding" the rich man prised away the guard, wrapped an arm around Virgil's shoulders and tugged him towards the staircase. "Won't be a moment, mother, father" he called absentmindedly over his shoulder, leading him down the stairs and out of view from them all.

"Are you alright?" The rich man's demeanour dropped into one of concern, folding his arms behind his back. Virgil nodded slightly, rolling his shoulder around, wincing as the dull throb of pain increase because of it. "Some people treat others in such a disgusting way" he spat with malice, shaking his head and sighing. "I'm Roman - you are?"

"Uh..." Virgil swallowed, a little out of sorts. He hadn't received any sort of kindness or friendliness from another human being in such a long time - he wasn't at all used to it. "Virgil-I'm...Virgil"

Roman smiled, tilting his head to the side. "What an extraordinary name" he commented, then straightened his head and looked towards the entrance to see people still being held back, disabling them from crowding around Roman and his parents to get autographs and pictures and things alike.

He turned back to Virgil, noticing he had a light pink hue across his cheeks. Roman thought it to be rather cute. "Do you have anywhere you need to be? I will be more than happy to give you a ride" Roman offered, however Virgil quickly shook his head. Roman's already done enough (which wasn't much, but that's the point). Besides, he couldn't be dropped of anywhere for he didn't live anywhere - he was homeless, and chose where he would stay for the night depending on the population of it that certain day.

"Are you sure?" Virgil could see the worry on his face - it made his heart clench. No ones stared at him with that before. "It really won't be any trouble" Roman then finally let himself take the boy in, from his mucky, ripped clothes, dirt-coated skin, messy, greasy and overgrown hair, he quickly understood.

"Ah..." he whispered, Virgil dropped his head in shame. "I see" Roman murmured, Virgil expected him to leave and return to his parents, but was surprised when his finger tucked under his chin and lifted his head again, still wearing that soft smile. "Come with me" Roman suggested, "I can't bare to let you go back to the streets"

Virgil's eyes nearly popped out of his head at the implication, quickly shaking his head afterwards. "Ro-Roman, no-!" He rushed after the man who headed in the direction of the exit. "I can't-I don't-I don't deserve it" Virgil tried, stopping in front of him so he had to stop, too.

"And why might that be?"

Virgil chewed his lips for a moment, then held up the food guilty. "I stole this...and more-I-...I cant-"

"Stole from where?"

Virgil gulped, "the store down the road?"

Roman nodded then continued to walk towards the exit, Virgil had no excuse but to follow, sticking close to the man as he was led by a few guards to the limousine. Virgil was almost pulled away but Roman put a hand on his shoulder and allowed him to enter first - desperately trying to ignore all the flashing and attention suddenly put on him, he clambered into the seat comfier than anything he has ever sat on with the food held close to his chest.

Roman then gave directions to the chauffeur and Virgil gulped again - it was to that store. For a very panic-filled few minutes, he assumed Roman was taking him there so the owners could call the police on him and get him taken away, but instead Roman told him to wait in the car as he stepped out and walked into the store.

Virgil waited impatiently, foot bouncing against the ground, nails being chewed between his teeth. He whipped his head over towards the door when it opened five minutes later, Roman sliding in with a smile. "These" he waved towards the items of food, "are no longer stolen"

Once again, he left Virgil choking on air in surprise, watching with bulging eyes as Roman told the chauffeur to take them home.

"Roman-you can't-I have to pay you back-"

"Virgil, please" Roman cut him off, turning to face him, "let me help you - please, really, it's not a bother"

Virgil stared at him for a long moment, then down at his food, meekly handing Roman the apple who tried to decline it but Virgil insisted. "Please-um-I'll wash it for you, I just-I'd feel really guilty, Ro" he begged, turning his body to face him more, from his expression alone Roman agreed and reached into his pocket, withdrawing a handkerchief and wiping down the apple until it was shining.

He then took a bite out from it, Virgil watching in shock. People make it such a performance to not even brush past him in the street, and Roman has no trouble eating something that's been in his hands. And the floor. He couldn't tell if Roman's kindness was going a little too far. Still, he didn't seem to mind, and by the time the drive was over all that was left was the core which he threw into the pile of bird food on the wall.

"Come with me, Virgil" Roman encouraged, walking up towards his house, past the fountain and up the perfectly white staircase. Virgil hesitated before them, scared he'd get them dirty, but the chauffeur suddenly appeared beside him. "Kid - do you really think Roman would become annoyed if you dirtied his outdoor staircase?" Without waiting for an answer, he walked up behind Roman, so with his words in his head, Virgil slowly trailed behind, wincing when his shoes left a few marks, he sped up his pace in a desperate attempt to keep them as clean as possible.

The front door was left open so Virgil timidly stepped inside, flinching as the chauffeur closed it behind him, smiled, and disappeared somewhere in the house. "Virgil! This way!" Roman's voice called from deeper in the house, so the anxious boy followed the sound, finding the man sitting in the kitchen, a smile resting on his face.

"May I bin this?" Roman gestured to the bread, Virgil held it closer to himself. He needed to eat something - even if it was kinds dirty. "Please - I have more here" he then opened a box and pulled out a packet of bread, the same as Virgil's, handing it to the boy who took it from his grasp. "Are you sure-?"

"I've never been more sure about something in my life" Roman reassured, holding out his hand. Sheepishly, Virgil gave him his bread, watching as no disgust crossed Roman's face - he simply turned around and put it into the food bin.

"Before we eat, here" Roman turned on the tap, "I don't want to be mean but...I think you'd feel better if you washed your hands"

Virgil felt a red flush of shame coat him, Roman noticed and frowned. "Virgil, you couldn't help it, I understand that - I'm not judging you, I'm merely trying to help" Virgil nodded, he knew that, still this was highly embarrassing, he being so dirty and smelling absolutely horrendous, but not once has Roman ever made a comment about it, or made a face, or made an effort to stray from him, he is a genuine nice guy...if not a bit persistent.

Virgil stuck his hands under the tap, expecting cold, pleasantly surprised by warmth. He scrubbed his hands painfully hard with the sponge Roman gave him, digging under his nails and everything. Roman turned and walked to the counter, pulling the bread from the package and chopping it up into slices. He then pulled out ham and cheese from the fridge - pausing momentarily. "You're not vegetarian, are you?"

"No" Virgil responded, more focused on his hands that were brightening with red at how much he scrubbed.

Roman placed the food onto the counter, bringing out two plates and two glasses, leaving them on the counter, too. He looked over at Virgil, noticed what he was doing and hurried over, placing a hand on the sponge. "I think they're all clean" Roman chuckled, taking the sponge and leaving it to the side, he then held his hands ever so delicately under the water, smoothing his thumbs over the red skin. Virgil watched him closely, feeling his face heat up with a blush.

No one has ever touched him with such softness...before it was all rough shoves and harsh grips.

Turning off the taps, he grabbed a towel and dried his hands, making sure too barely touch them, for he knew it would hurt from how much Virgil scrubbed them. Once he deemed them okay, he finally let go and turned to the counter. Virgil compared his hands to his arms, noticing how he could actually see his skin and not the dirt that usually covered them.

Fumbling with his now soft skin, he walked closer to Roman who hummed a tune as he made two sandwiches - once done he slid the plate to Virgil who grabbed it in surprise. "Eat up, I hope you like it" Roman smiled, biting into his own one. Virgil was even further surprised, and tried to decline it, but Roman insisted, and after his stomach clenched in pain from the lack of food, he sat down on one of the barstools and quickly ate his food, finishing faster than Roman who began before him.

"Want another one?"

Virgil looked up after finishing his water, hesitated, then slowly shook his head, however his expression gave himself away and with a mere chuckle Roman made him another. At this point he seemed to have a permanent blush stuck to his cheeks - but he didn't mind, Roman was treating him with such kindness, how could he not like this? He still felt guilty, but Roman wouldn't stop anytime soon.

Eating his second sandwich just as quick as the first, he found Roman's laughter to be nice to listen to. It wasn't mocking like he had received in the past, for once it was with him, instead of at him.

"Finished?"

Virgil nodded, "wonderful!" Roman exclaimed, clasping his hands, "if you would like to follow me - I shall lead you to my favourite shower where you can wash yourself up with whatever soap you want, listening to any song you desire, afterwards you can be wrapped up in the fluffiest blankets and dressed in the warmest of pyjamas - anything to your hearts content!" His sudden loud voice made Virgil reel back a little, dilated pupils watching Roman twirl around, showing off his more extravagant side of himself, Virgil assumed.

His brain the finally caught up with everything he said and he gasped, "Roman, no-"

"Roman, yes!" He countered, leaving the room with Virgil's hand in his own. "Roman, please-!" Virgil tried again, but Roman wasn't having it. "Come on, Virgil! What's your favourite colour? I'm sure I can find a towel matching it-!"

Roman faced Virgil suddenly when the boy ripped his hand from his grasp, backing into a wall. "No! Roman! Please, stop!" He demanded in a voice louder than he had used before. This made Roman take a step back, mouth falling shut.

"I'm-..." Virgil breathed in and out hurriedly, "I'm sorry" he managed, "I can't-this-this is all too much-I-I can't have all this, I'm sorry" his voice fell on a whisper, hating himself for seeming so ungrateful, for he was grateful, he really was, but it was sending him into a panic, he had never had so much stuff before, so much kindness, he couldn't really handle it well.

"Oh" Roman mumbled, squeezing his hands shut awkwardly. "I see" he murmured, "would you-um...would you want me to take you back to the-..." Roman cut himself off, shaking his head lightly. "I have a better idea, follow me" Roman's softer side came back once more, Virgil allowed himself to be lead to a bathroom where a bath sat up against the wall.

"This is usually used by any guests I have over" Roman explained, grabbing a few bottles of soap and shampoo Virgil would see in any normal shop. He then placed a few folded towels onto the radiator, turning to Virgil with a smile. "I apologise greatly, Virgil, I know sometimes I can be a bit...too much" he chuckled, "however - after this, you can find me downstairs in the living room. If you want to be taken back to the city, you can, it's up to you"

With that, Roman left, gently shutting the door behind him. Virgil moved some hair that fell over his eyes, leaning on the closed door with a sigh. Now he just felt terrible. He knew Roman meant the best but it was all...so much. He couldn't handle it.

Still, a bath sounded nice...

Locking the door, he turned on the taps, watching as the tub filled with warm water, hands dancing through it, smiling at the ripples he caused. Once it was full enough, he stripped down from his clothing, leaving it in a pile beside the sink before he sunk down into the water, it almost instantly darkening with the particles of dirt and mud that came off of him. Now that he was alone he didn't feel so awkward about it.

Using his hands (for he didn't want to ruin any sponges) he cleaned himself up to the best he could, wiping away any dirt that once covered his body. It was nice to be able to see his pale skin once again.

Once he finished washing himself, he unplugged the bath and stepped out, using one of the towels to clean off the water from himself. He then unhooked the shower head and washed away anything left down the drain, afterwards bending over the side and washing his hair, the long strands reaching his shoulders, which he hated, but he couldn't cut it or get someone else to, so he had to deal with it.

Using the shampoo, he scrubbed his hair, washed it out, then stood back up, drying his hair and glancing at his clothes. He knew if he put them back on the bath would've been pointless, but he couldn't ask for any other clothing, especially after his mini freak out earlier.

Just as he bent down to grab them, he noticed a note that was slid under the door. Curiously, he picked it up and read it.

'Open the door :)'

With the towel securely around his body, he unlocked and opened the door, unable to see Roman, but spotting a pile of clothes on the floor, folded neatly. He debated whether or not he should take them - they didn't look expensive at all which eased him, but should he? They weren't his...

In the end, he took them, Roman left them out for him, anyway.

They were a simple pair of dark grey joggers and a black top. Virgil actually really liked the dark clothing. Picking up his own, he made sure everything looked clean and as it was before he came in, leaving the room afterwards and finding Roman in the living room, flicking through movies on Netflix.

"Ro...?"

The man turned to him and smiled, standing up and heading to him. "You look wonderful, Virgil" Roman complimented, brushing away some of his hair. Virgil cleared his throat shyly. "Now; do you want to stay or go back to the city? It is getting dark and I simply don't trust anyone else out there...I can't bare to think of you getting hurt" Virgil didn't know why Roman cared so much - maybe it was something he would never understand - yet he knew he would appreciate it forever.

"I'll um-..." he messed with the clothes, "I can go if you want-"

"What I want is for you to stay" Roman cut him off, "however; this is your choice" Virgil met his gaze, Roman only being two or three inches taller. Virgil wanted to stay, too, desperately, he just didn't want Roman going to crazy with all the things he could give the boy. He was content in just saying here the night - he didn't need the food or bath (well, he did, but he wouldn't have minded if he weren't given them).

"I'll..." he swallowed, finding this incredibly difficult to admit. "Can I um-..."

"Stay?" Roman finished for him. Virgil timidly nodded. Roman smiled. "Of course! I would love for you too. Here, let me take these" he gently took the clothes, then nodded his head at the couch. "Why don't you relax, we can watch whatever movie you'd like" with that, Roman disappeared somewhere in his large house - Virgil slowly crossed the room and planted himself on the edge of the couch, grazing his fingers across the smooth cushions. He liked it.

Quickly returning, Roman sat close beside him, grabbing a blanket and throwing it across the two. Virgil grabbed the edge, glancing at Roman who smiled and nodded, allowing him to pull it closer and slowly draw his legs onto the couch as he slid backwards and leans against the back.

"Anything that particularly springs to mind?"

Virgil shrugged, "I uh-I always enjoyed The Nightmare Before Christmas...whenever I would see it being played on the...televisions at Christmas...in shops n'stuff.." he drifted, quieter and quieter towards the end, more and more awkward and embarrassed.

"Nightmare Before Christmas it is!" Roman declared, searching it and putting it on. Virgil had never seen the entirety of it before and instantly he was drawn in. This whole situation was still a complete shock to him - who knew entering that store would lead him here, in a rich man's home, being cared for in ways never before seen, watching a movie he saw glimpses of in stores.

By the end of the movie he was pretty tired, head propped up by the back of the couch, eyelids slipping shut every few moments. Roman smiled at the sight, finding it to be adorable. Turning off the television, he stood up and stretched, then gently scooped Virgil into his arms. The boy hummed and grumbled but didn't do anything else, still holding onto the blanket Roman let him curl around himself (without really realising it-).

He took him up to the guest room where he laid him on the bed and drew the blanket over his body.

"Goodnight, Virgil" Roman murmured, but the boy was passed out.

Roman smiled and left the room, silently shutting the door behind him.

The next morning Roman moved around the kitchen to the tune of the song floating out through his phone, busying himself with making brunch for Virgil and him. He decided to make scrambled eggs, bacon and beans (for that was really all he had, recently forgetting to go grocery shopping. He knew he had people to do that for him yet he felt weird about it - he was an adult. He could do these things himself. Plus, he didn't want to turn into a lazy slob like his parents).

As the music stopped, phone ready to play the next one in the queue, he heard a quiet sniff come from behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled when he spotted Virgil standing in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, mouth watering at the smell and sight of the food.

"Morning, Virge-can I call you that?" Roman cut himself off, making sure he wouldn't make Virgil uncomfortable. "Oh-uh, yeah, sure, I've...never had a nickname before" he admitted, crossing the room slowly and leaning on the island counter. "Well, now you do!" Roman responded, voice too loud for the morning, but that was just who he was.

Reaching into the fridge, he brought out a bowl of fruits, using a spoon to pick up a few onto a different, smaller bowl, sliding it to Virgil who caught it again. "Eat up!" Roman encouraged, using a fork to pick up one of the strawberries from the bowl they would share, putting away the larger one back in the fridge.

"Oh-okay" Virgil reached in, pulling out a slice of melon, plopping it into his mouth and almost moaning. The only fruits he's ever had before being apple and oranges, so this was about to be a great experience. Roman didn't take too many - only two strawberries and a few grapes, leaving the rest for Virgil who seemed enamoured by all the different foods and flavours. Roman enjoyed to watch his expression shift with each one.

"Here" Roman grabbed a small block of cheese, handing it to Virgil who took it, confused. "Try the fruit with that - specifically the grapes and strawberries" he grinned, tending to the food for a moment. However, with one glance over his shoulder, he could see Virgil obviously enjoyed it very much.

Once the food was cooked, he portioned it evenly onto plates, sliding Virgil's one to him, the fruit bowl empty. "Thank you, Ro, you didn't have to do this-"

"Oh, poppycock!" Roman grinned, "I couldn't leave you hungry, Jack-Skeleton" he winked, Virgil hiding his smile behind his mouth. While they ate, Roman waved his fork around above his food, swallowing before he spoke up; "y'know, Virge, I've always wanted something but my parents would never allow it - now they can't stop me" he began, eyes gleaming with mischief.

"What is it?" Virgil responded, wondering what Roman could possibly want that he wouldn't be able to get. "A roommate" he answered, "I've seen it in movies and read it in stories - having a roommate seems like so much fun! Living with a friend...however, all my friends are content in their homes, and I couldn't live in college dorms, so I never got one" he explained, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively at Virgil who caught on instantly, his head already beginning to shake in disagreement.

"Ohh, come on, Virgil! Please!" He begged, lowering himself onto the floor, clasping his hands together, up at Virgil in a pleading manner. "I promise as soon as we get you a stable money system you can move out! Please!" He began to pout, "please, please, pleeaaaaasssee-!" He dragged the word out forever before Virgil finally rolled his eyes fondly, pushing away Roman's hands.

"Alright, fine, dude! Jeez..." but it was all in good fun. Plus, would he pass up the opportunity to not live on the streets?

"HUZZAH!" Roman spring up, fist pumping the air. "Oh this will be marvellous! Come on, I know you don't like too many expensive gifts, but pretend they're...house warming gifts, everyone receives those!" Roman then rushed out the room, Virgil finished his food quickly before following, spotting him in the foyer, tucking on his shoes while bouncing around to keep himself upright.

"What do you mean house warming gifts-?" Virgil couldn't finish, being dragged out the house before hand, barely able to grab his shoes.

"I mean we're going to Ikea to buy a bed, a wardrobe, a desk, anything and everything that'll transform the guest room into a room of your own!" Roman explained, turning to Virgil when he tried to halt in his tracks.

"I know, Virgil" Roman softened up, "it's a lot, I understand, however, if you do not choose them yourself I will buy everything that I can find and put them in your room anyway" he grinned, opening up his passenger door and gesturing him inside. Virgil sighed, flicked his hair away and eyed Roman for a moment - he couldn't believe Roman would want to do anything for him, but he wouldn't give up, and probably buy way much more stuff than Virgil would need, so he sighed and got in, strapping the seatbelt across his chest.

Roman got in, too, pulling out the driveway and down the road.

"Oh, uh, Ro?"

"Yes, Virge?"

"...my uh- my favourite colour is purple"

—
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2:41pm